Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Indiana
52

Indiana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Indiana
Western Region
McCormicks Creek State Park
start slideshow
McCormicks Creek State Park Key Stone Bridge © Rich Fowler
McCormicks Creek State Park Stone Arch Bridge © David Hyde
Constructed back in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps CCC
McCormicks Creek State Park Falls © David Hyde
Trail 3 at the Falls
McCormicks Creek State Park © Rich Fowler
McCormicks Creek State Park Under The Bridge © Rich Fowler
McCormicks Creek State Park McCormicks bridge © Richard Rynkowski
McCormicks creek bridge
McCormicks Creek State Park Water FAlls © Rich Fowler
A view of the falls from creek level
McCormicks Creek State Park Covered Bridge © Rich Fowler
The two lane covered bridge at the entrance to the park
McCormicks Creek State Park © Andrea Hash
McCormicks Creek State Park © Andrea Hash
McCormicks Creek State Park © Ben Prepelka
McCormicks Creek State Park The Falls at McCormicks Creekfar view © Tim A. DeVore
Photographed at McCormicks Creek State Park on 07/28/2007.
McCormicks Creek State Park The Falls at McCormicks Creekclose view © Tim A. DeVore
Photographed at McCormicks Creek State Park on 07/28/2007.
McCormicks Creek State Park View of the Creek. © Joseph Herring
The creek bed section of trail 3 is mostly a scramble over rocks and boulders. If you like this sort of trail, you should probably also check out Clifty Falls, Turkey Run, Shades and/or Falls of the Ohio state parks.
McCormicks Creek State Park People and the Falls © Joseph Herring
The McCormicks Creek Falls is 8 or 9 feet high. Its great fun to stand under it and let the water crash down heavily over your shoulders.
McCormicks Creek State Park McCormicks Creek cascade © Joseph Herring
McCormicks Creek is probably the most enchanting Indiana stream Ive ever seen. I dont have any photos that do it justice.
McCormicks Creek State Park Wolf Cave © Joseph Herring
A bad photo of one entrance to Wolf Cave. Wolf cave is a true cave and is worth exploring.
McCormicks Creek State Park McCormicks Creek Falls © Joseph Herring
The waterfall is 8 or 9 feet high.
McCormicks Creek State Park Trail 3 on a rainy morning © Joseph Herring
A view of tall rock bluffs from the creek bed.
McCormicks Creek State Park McCormicks Creek © Richard Rynkowski
Little water fall on McCormick creek
McCormicks Creek State Park Creek Falls © Richard Rynkowski
Little water fall on McCormicks creek.
McCormicks Creek State Park © Ann McGriffin
McCormicks Creek State Park McCormicks Creek © Joseph Herring
The Creek falls are visible in the center of the photo, and the falls viewing platform is in the upper right corner.
McCormicks Creek State Park The falls © Rich Fowler
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
MCCORMICKS CREEK STATE PARK
MCCORMICKS CREEK STATE PARK
250 McCormick Creek Park Rd
Spencer, Indiana   47460
(lat:39.298 lon:-86.724) map location

Phone: (812) 829-2235
Toll Free: 800-457-8283
Reservations: 812-829-2235
Unique limestone formations and scenic waterfalls are some of the beautiful highlights at Indiana's first state park, McCormick's Creek. You'll find this park along the White River, 14 miles northwest of Bloomington.

Hike through the thick wooded area or roam leisurely through the magnificent canyon surrounded by high cliffs. You'll notice the well-manicured grounds which were planted by the original owner and are being preserved to sustain the tranquil environment he created.
History of the Area
The turning point in the McCormick's Creek history came in 1888 when part of the area was purchased by Frederick Denkewalter, a physician who was interested in the scenic and restful qualities of the site. Dr. Denkewalter felt the tranquil peace of the canyon and its surrounding cliffs would be the perfect location to build a sanitarium, a place for the wealthy and the weary to 'get away from it all' and recuperate. The original sanitarium, built on the present-day Canyon Inn site, was a white-sided structure with long porches on every side. It offered guests plenty of access to the loveliness of the well-landscaped grounds where Denkewalter delighted in planting a variety of trees and shrubs. Meanwhile, local residents continued to picnic and hike along the canyon, making the spot a favorite of everyone for rest and relaxation.

With the death of Dr. Denkewalter in 1914, his estate went up for sale at a land auction. Both Owen County and the State of Indiana were interested in maintaining McCormick's Creek in its park-like setting, and so the land was purchased. McCormick's Creek State Park was dedicated as Indiana's first state park on July 4, 1916, as part of the state's centennial celebration.

Canyon Inn opened its doors in the old sanitarium building. A few years later in the early 1920's, the building was remodeled and new brick siding was added. Subsequent changes have brought new wings, a banquet room, swimming pool and recreation center, but the Inn today still rests on the original foundations of the Denkewalter sanitarium.
Passes
State park permits can be purchased at any of the state park property locations across Indiana. State park permits can also be ordered online by visiting the INDINIA ENTRANCE FEE web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Sheltersyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
CampingPrimitive, #100
 Electric Sites, #189
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camper Cabinsyes
 Group Campyes
 Youth Group Campyes
WinterActivitiesyes
AccommodationsLodge Roomsyes
 Game Roomyes
 Tennisyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Restaurantyes
Camping
* Electric / 189 sites * Primitive / 32 sites * Group Camping * Youth Tent Areas * Dumping Station * Camp Store
Lodge
The Canyon Inn offers a variety of summer and winter activities for families. These activities range from crafts, sport tournaments, group activities, to Bridge, Euchre, and Pinochle Tournaments. Satellite TV is also available at the Inn.

The Bridge and Euchre Tournaments happen during the fall, winter, and spring every year. The Bridge Tournaments are more competitive than the Euchre and Pinochle Tournaments, but the Bridge Tournaments do not compete for Masters Points. Every year the Canyon Inn produces a Tournament Brochure. If you would like a Brochure or details about the Tournaments, please call the Canyon Inn at (812) 829-4881 or 1-877-9 CANYON. Bridge and Euchre Dates

The Canyon Inn also has a Recreation Center that is open during the summer months. The Recreation Center has many activities as well as basketball, volleyball, and recquetball courts. It also has pool, ping pong, speed hockey, and foosball tables inside the Recreation Center. During the course of the day, the Recreation Center runs concessions at the concession stand. Since the Recreation Center is only open during the summer months, it can be rented out for $50.00 per hour during the spring and fall when the Recreation Center is not normally open. To make reservations for your group at the Recreation Center, call the Canyon Inn to speak with the Activities Director.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the White River, where you can catch species like smallmouth bass and catfish. The park's own McCormick's Creek also offers opportunities for angling enthusiasts to reel in bluegill and largemouth bass. Remember that a valid Indiana fishing license is required.


Location
McCormicks Creek State Park is located near Bloomington, Martinsville and Spencer

Picnicking
McCormicks Creek State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, two shelter houses, and a recreation building for picnicking.
Bicycling
Biking is permitted on roads and paved surfaces. Off-road biking or mountain biking isn't allowed due to terrain fragility.

The park's main road offers a 3.5-mile loop for cyclists, providing scenic views of the area's natural beauty.

Cyclists should be aware that there are no designated bike lanes; sharing with motor vehicles is necessary.

Helmets are recommended when cycling in this location as safety precautions must always take precedence over fun activities.

Be cautious around blind curves and hills while riding since these can pose potential dangers if not navigated carefully.

Remember to respect wildlife by maintaining an appropriate distance during your ride through their habitat.

Always adhere strictly to posted speed limits within the park boundaries ensuring everyone's safety at all times.

Avoid cycling after dark unless you have proper lighting equipment installed on your bicycle for visibility purposes.


Birding
Birdwatchers can explore various habitats, including forests and creeks. Over 170 bird species have been spotted here. The park offers guided birding tours for enthusiasts of all levels. There are also several trails suitable for self-guided bird watching adventures.
Area Attractions
* Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services * Picnicking/Shelters (Shelter Reservations) * Hiking Trails * Saddle Barn & trail rides (812) 829-8848 * Tennis Courts * Recreation Buildings * Recreation Center * Swimming / Pool (Policy)

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 17 by Kathryn Kovacs
park review stars; one to five I grew up just a few miles from McCormick Creek State Park. A great place to spend a day going hiking or camping on the weekends.
February 10 Best visit end of April
park review stars; one to five beautiful spring flowers. wonderful weather. NO bugs. Inn and Park great.
September 6 A Peaceful Place ! by Leslie Bailey
park review stars; one to five My best friend and I stayed here at the end of August of 2010. We enjoyed the Pool there and toured Oliver Winery close by which was wonderful. A Beautiful place and he Staff was very friendly!!
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Hickory Hills Campground
499 Dixie Hill Road
Spencer, IN
765-795-6079
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Indiana
52

Indiana State Parks

X